Google spent 8 times more on government lobbying than Apple in Q2 2012

Google spent nearly $4 million for U.S. congressional lobbying in the second quarter of 2012, while Apple spent just $470,000.

The results, unearthed by Philip Elmer-Dewitt of Apple 2.0, reveal that Google spent more than 8 times as much as Apple on congressional lobbying. Both companies' amounts were down from the first quarter of 2012, when Google spent over $5 million, while Apple spent $500,000.

Public records show which specific bills Apple's lobbying efforts were related to in Washington. Among them was the Stop Online Piracy Act, the Protect IP Act, the Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act, and the Job Creation & Innovation Act.

Also included on the list of specific lobbying issues was "Electronic Waste, Energy Star, EPEAT, Green Technology." Its inclusion is noteworthy because earlier this month Apple decided to withdraw its products from EPEAT green certification, only to reverse that decision and admit in the process that the company had made a "mistake."

The latest numbers show that the distance between Apple and Google in money spent on lobbying continues to grow. For example, in the first quarter of 2011, Apple spent about 560,000, or one-third the amount Google and Microsoft had each spent in the same three-month span.

OK. First explain why lobbying makes Google evil when there are few companies that don't lobby? Even Apple does it, just to less extent than Google.

This is a cheap shot at Google. Google is paying lobbyist because their search and ad business is in the cross hairs of possible anti-trust lawsuits. I can assure you their competitors are certainly lobbying for their side, hoping to get Google broken up as a monopoly. Google is just playing the game making sure they have a few people in their corner.

Frankly, I find the existence of lobbyist sickening and I think it leads to corruption, but I blame the the politicians that take the money more than the companies. I think Google is just playing the game. I suppose Apple people would rather Google just lay down and die. Let's see if Apple stays pure in a few years when (and if) Google, Microsoft, and Samsung prepare to bring an anti-trust lawsuit against them over the iPad and iPhone. If they don't lobby and simply let things fall where they may, then you can all point and laugh at me.

Originally Posted by rednival
OK. First explain why lobbying makes Google evil when there are few companies that don't lobby?

I don't like lobbying. That's me, I guess. I believe in objective right, and lobbying doesn't seem right.

Quote:

Even Apple does it, just to less extent than Google.

Sure. And I don't like that, either. They do it less, though, so the more is open to jokes, if that's your bag. Google has the choice to not do it at all, just like Apple. Google has decided to do it far more than Apple.

To be fair Google was spending a lot of money trying to protect network neutrality and make sure that the sale of the 700 MHz band came with those conditions. Such as allowing any device and any application. I would be in support of those initiatives.

Distasteful though it may be, Apple should probably spend more on this. Like patent lawsuits, it's a necessary evil.

Also, with unlimited corporate donations to SuperPACs now legal, Apple might want to consider spending big on those, too. Apple could find some house and senate members who are in tight re-election races and offer to donate big $$ to SuperPACs supporting those candidates, provided that those candidates take Apple's positions on various issues.

It's ugly, it's bad for America, but it's what the Supreme Court has given us. We all have to deal with the world as it exists, even as we might try to change it.

I don't like lobbying. That's me, I guess. I believe in objective right, and lobbying doesn't seem right.

Sure. And I don't like that, either. They do it less, though, so the more is open to jokes, if that's your bag. Google has the choice to not do it at all, just like Apple. Google has decided to do it far more than Apple.

I guess we really are in agreement for the most part then because I agree lobbyist are pathetic, soul-sucking vampires. I would defend both Apple or Google purely on the grounds that I think most companies find themselves forced into lobbying because "the system" almost necessitates it, but as soon as you start paying a lobbyist, you're an enabler. So I don't let them off the hook entirely...